I admit I have done some things in life where I deserved to be hated. I have been impatient with others and not treated them well at times. This is not because I am selfish but because I don’t always consider others’ needs. Sometimes I get tired and do not treat people the way I should as a Christian. While I sometimes feel I deserve to be hated, I do not want anyone to hate me.
However, if someone is going to dislike me, I would rather them do so because I love Jesus and want to follow His ways. Once, I did something for the Lord and was called a Bible-believing _______ (you fill in the blank). On another occasion, I stood in front of the local courthouse during a primary election trying to get signatures for a marriage amendment. I was told I was intolerant because I defined marriage in a certain way.
As Christians, we need to deal with our bad behavior. People should see Jesus in us because of how we treat other people. Nonetheless, there are times when we must take an unpopular stand for the Lord. In those instances, being hated is not a bad thing. After all, we must please God before others.
Keep the faith and take a stand for Jesus. Do not worry about the opinion of others. Their response to us lets us know we are true followers of Christ. Be hated for the right reasons.
Ken Ebright is a former Minnesotan who lives in Belleville, Illinois. He plays a keyboard, sings in a men’s choir, and does street witnessing. He has an associate’s degree in Biblical Studies from Southwest Bible College and Seminary and wants to reach lost people.